What’s in season this holiday season? Winter squash? Root vegetables? To me, the holiday season is cookie season! We all have our family favorites. Many of us have family and friends with dietary concerns that make this time of year difficult to suit their needs. I flipped through some of my favorite recipes and innovated some gluten-free, vegan versions along with some traditional recipes.

Including more superfoods into the diet has been shown to increase overall health and wellbeing. The following cookie recipes all include them. This list is by no means exhaustive. If you have a recipe that you would like to share with the Conscious Community please share with us via social media. Also, please send us your photos of any of recipes that you have made via social media, including the Conscious Community™ Facebook group, tweet us @tweetccmagazine or tag us on Instagram @consciouscommunitymagazine.

ALMONDSAlmonds are tree nuts, which contain saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, protein and antioxidants. Almonds lead to satiety, and those who eat them daily reduce their overall caloric intake. According to Ayurvedic tradition, almonds may increase intellectual level and longevity.

MATCHAJapanese matcha powder is a finely green tea. It is packed with antioxidants, fiber, zinc, magnesium and amino acids. It comes in many grades, but I suggest using the high-quality ceremonial grade for the best flavor. Matcha is known to increase caloric burn and provides energy with the jitters for which coffee is known.

CACAOCacao is rich in antioxidants. Raw cacao has up to four times the antioxidants than Dutch-processed cocoa. Cacao can improve the health of your heart, cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. It is known to release positive brain chemicals including endorphins, anandamide, phenylethylamine and serotonin.

MACADAMIA NUTSMacadamia nuts are full of monounsaturated “good” fat or Oleic acid. They also contain cancer-preventing B-17 vitamin or Laetrile.

OATMEALOatmeal is high in fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients. It has been shown to lower cholesterol and improve metabolism. About 12% of the energy from oats comes from proteins, making it more than just another carb!

DATESDates are a great substitution or addition to many recipes add sweetness with added sugar and texture without butter or other fats. They are also packed with fiber and are high in potassium, selenium, copper and magnesium.

WALNUTSOmega-3s, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals all make the walnut a superfood. Eating just a handful of walnuts each day can help lower your cholesterol, prevent heart disease and fight cancer. Their health benefits affect the mind as well as the body, as they boost brainpower, get better quality sleep and increase emotional resiliency.

Blend the dry ingredients together. Mix together all ingredients, except jam. The dough will be relatively dry. Roll dough into ¾ in. diameters balls and flatten into discs; press thumb in center of each cookie to make a divot. Bake for eight to ten minutes, until sides of cookies look golden. Remove unto rack to cool. After cool spoon about one teaspoon of jam into each cookie. Makes approximately two-dozen cookies.

Janae Jean is the editor, social media manager and podcast co-host for Conscious Community Magazine. She enjoys improvising in the kitchen and creating recipes with her loved ones and is very grateful for their input and assistance.